Coal-feeding device



Sept. 7,1926. 1,598,990 E. A. SIKES COAL FEEDING DEVICE Filed May 5, 1925 29Sheets-Sheet 1 Sept. 7, 1926.

\ E. A. SIKES COAL FEEDING DEVI CE Filed May EL. 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Sept. 7, 1926.

UNITED STATES EUGENE A. SIKES, OF RUSSELL, MASSACHUSETTS.

COAL-FEEDING DEVICE.

Application filed May 5,

This invention relates to an improved device for feeding coal into the fire box of a boiler, or the like.

The purpose of the invention is to avoid opening the fire box door, such as is customary, thereby preventing diminishing of the efiieiency of the fire from the entrance of excess air. Ordinarily, when the door is open and the coal shoveled into the furnace through the door opening, undue air enters and decidedly decreases the efiiciency, waste-s coal, and is otherwise disadvantageous.

In accordance with the present invention one or more hoppers are disposed on the exterior of the front wall of the fire box, and these empty into appropriate openings formed in said wall to discharge the coal into the fire boX, the gist of the invention being inthe disposition'in the hopper of a novel valve, by means of which the discharge from the hopper may be regulated, and air prevented from entering during the feeding operation.

The particular structural details and other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description and drawings.

I11 the accompanying drawings forming a part of this application and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same Figure, 1 is a fragmentary front elevation of a portion of a boiler furnace showing the invention installed for use.

Figure 2 is a sectional view showing the invention more particularly, the section being taken approximately upon the plane of the line 2-2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a sectional and elevational view of the hopper controlling valve.

. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the valve.

Figure 5 is a section showing the valve slightly modified.

Referring to the drawings, and more particularly to Figure 2, it will be seen that 1, designates the boiler, and 2 represents the front wall of the fire box. In accordance with the present invention this Wall will be formed with an opening in which an appropriate frame 3 will be located. Disposed in alignment with this opening is a coal containing hopper 4:. The hopper opens at its bottom into the opening, and the bottom wall thereof is inclined so that the coal will be fed by gravity into the fire box through the opening. In order to prevent the coal from 1925 Serial No. 28,267,

discharging until desired, an appropriate valve 5 is provided. This valve in cross section is in the form of a sector ofa circle, the same being of hollow formation and the curved top wall 6 bridging the lower portion of the hopper to exclude coal from the fire box as is obvious from Figure 2. The valve in opening is adapted'to swing in the direction of the arrow indicated. The inner vertical wall of the valve is secured by U-bolts 8 to a hollow shaft 9, the ends of which are journaled in appropriate bearings 10. It should be noted that the axis of pivot is so located that it aids in the opening movement of the valve. It is also to be noted that the valve terminates above the frame 3 to provide an air slotll; Also, a flexible packing strip 12 isassociated with the curved top wall, and with the end walls if desired, to prevent leakage.

An appropriate bracket 13 (see Figure 2) is secured on the inner vertical wall 14 of the valve, and the inner angularly directed end of a handle 15 is connected with this bracket the end of the handle being inserted between the bracket 13 and the wall 14. The free end portion of the handle projects beyond the valve as shown in Figure 2 so that it may be grasped to exert a downward push upon the same for opening the valve to allow the coal to gravitate into the fire box. By directing attention to Figure 5, it will be seen that the valve is of the same construction, but that a bar 16 is rigidly attached to the wall 14L, as indicated at 17, the free end portion being allowed to project a slight distance to permit it to be connected with a removable socketed handle 18.

In practice, a plurality of hoppers may be provic ed, each one being filled with coal, and the coal being prevented from feeding into the fire box by the valve when in the position shown in Figure 2. Obviously, by swinging the valve in the direction of the arrow it may be moved to open position to regulate the discharge of coal from the hopper, or it may be completely opened. hen the valve is swung up again, the weight of the fuel exerts a downward pressure upon the valve and assists in holding it tightly closed.

From the foregoing description it will be seen that I have evolved and produced a coal feeder for boiler furnaces, which has a distinct advantage over the old method of hand firing, It permits feeding of coal without admitting air. It keeps a hi gh furnace temperature, avoids d luting of the gases with excess air, and thereby results in better and more efficient combustion. Not only this, it avoids strain on the boiler due to the sudden change in temperature otherwise experienced. Furthermore, it saves coal and protects the fireman from excessive heat due to exposure to the hot fire when the door is open, as is ordinarily the case. The feeding unit may be readily removed to give. access to the fire box for repair. The device ma be constructed to be operated by hand, or power, thus making it automatic and adjustable. Also, it may be used as feeder in addition to controlling the supply of coal by gravity, being used to force or throw a sup ply of coal onto the grate, making it a positive feeder and distributing; the coal for some distance over the fire.v To do this it is swung down from the position shown in Figure 2 and then swung up and against the coal to act as a plunger. The presence of the device however does not interfere with the use of implements for stirring the fire. At the same time the device is comparatively inexpensive, and may be installed at small cost, the upkeep being negligible. Undoubtedly, persons skilled in the art to which the invention relates will be able to obtain a clear understanding from the description in connection with the drawings. For this reason a more lengthy description is thought unnecessary.

Vhile the preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it will be understood that minor changes coming within the field of invention claimed may be resorted to if desired.

Having thus described the invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is In a fuel feeding device, a hopper open at its bottom, and a controlling valve for said open bottom, said valve being in cross section in the form of a sector of a circle and havinga curved wall and an upright inner flat wall, and mounted to enable its curved wall to exclude air during the opening movement of the valve and being provided with an operating bar secured to said upright wall.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

EUGENE A. SIKES. 

